San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-09-22
s | X T s } )
CHAPTER /.

little ear, as she leisurely drew on her
small, pearl-gray gloves, preparatory to
starting on a skating expedition one
bright afternoon on the oath of Decem-
Der, in the year of grace 1883.
"Wrongl-wrOng, sir, for a pair of
lloubigant's very best" saucily replied
the girl, as she held out dainty little
hand to have the envied glove in ques-
ton fastened.
"HOw SOP | think not, Miss FOrtes-
cue?" said the man, turning towards
| another occupant of the room. Will
you come to my rescue, and prove that
| have not been guilty of wrOngquOta-
tionp"
What is it all abOutp | have been
paying no attention to your nonsense"
said graceful, fair girl, as she rose
from her chair and crossed the room to
her friends side in answer to the Cap
tain's summons.
Before she could receive reply, how
ever, Miss Carlingford interrupted, in
soft, hooking tones
"Oh, fancy, Bell dear! Captain Vane
is actually pOetical this cold winters
day! And to make us aware of the sud-
den change wrought in his usually
prOsaic temperament, he misquOtes the
White Swan of Avon to an alarming
eXtentl He says, that might kiss that
cheek; while maintain that It's touch,
not kiss, in the original. Pass me that
Shakespeare, if you please, Captain Vane."
And she pointed to handsome edi-
ton, lying on the table close at hand.
"Do not be so foolish, Ethel Every
one knows that you are right, and that
the Captain is wrong; but it is too cruel
of you to expose your admirers little
endresse, and prove him much more like
goose than swan"
Thus saying, Bella Fortescue looked
with saucy, brilliant smile into the
unfortunate mans face, but no answer
ing brightness met hers there. The
stern, worn, though handsome features
flushed dusky red as he, without an
other word, turned to leave the room.
But, changing his mind, Vane re-
traced his steps to Ethel's side, and,
bending, whispered in low, hard tones,
Il accept the bet, and, at the same time,
acknowledge my presumption, which
however, you have severely punished by
holding up to ridicule the oveyoumust
know has taken such firm hold upon
me. Forgive me if, in my present mood,
prefer long, solitary walk to being
your escort to the lake."
Ethel CarlingfOrd drew her slender
form up proudly, as she replied, Gap
tain Vane, l assure you that neither
Miss FOrtescue or myself will regret
your absence, nor do we desire to retain
by our side any unwilling cavalier.
Doubtless there are others of my faith
er's guests who will be only too happy
to join us in our afternoons amusement,
and so you have our permission to set
out at once on the desired long, solitary
walk, which trust sincerely you will
enjoy"
In naughty silence Vane made pro-
found bow, and left the room.
Bravo! bravo, Cis" laughed Bell.
"YOu looked like tragedy queen as
you gave poor 'Gawky' his dismissal.
I'm glad, too, for have feared lately
that you, who have never allowed your
little heart to be touched either by fran
tically tender love appeals of the pros
peCt of a deer park and 10000 a-year,
had at last most ANONYMOUSLY lowered
your flag to the enemy in the shape of
handsome, pennilesS Desmond Vane;
but, thank goodness, | am now made
easy on that point, and since the coast
is clear once more, | shall still hope to
see you Lady Leslie, with all the de-
lightful necesSaries that money can
procure, together with that dreadful
old parsonage in the shape of husband
Sir Donald Leslie"
Here, the girls breath absolutely fail
ing her, she paused, and looked up to
see how Ethel was taking her badinage.
To her utter establishment and con-
sternatiOn, she perceived that her friend,
instead of meeting her railleries with
the derisiOn she generally bestowed up
on them, had thrown herself on to the
sofa, and was weeping bitterly.
Dearest, what have l said to hurt
you so? Or is tho, Cissie can it be
that you do really love Vane%
"Hush! hush, Bell" And the pretty,
tear-stained face was raised earnestly
to her companions. Eyes; you have
guessed my dreadful secret-I do love
himl Why know not, for he always
treated me with cool Indifference, and
never until this morning has he limited
one word of the love for which L have
longed; and then, when he did, fool
that | was!-laughed at him in your
presence, thing he will never, never
forgive, am sure; and he is much too
proud to return after my dismissal"
"Oh, cheer upl for since you will love
him." pOuted Dell, Il suppose 1 must
try to help you out of your trouble; so
listen to me. He leaves here in few
days, so it will not cost you much to
avoid him for so short a time; but when
you meet, treat him with cold disdain-
not as you have done, you wicked little
cOquette, one day kindly, the next in a
cold, keep-yOur-distance style. That
won't do now. Be firm; and if he can
stand that on the eve of departure, he's
bigger icicle than took him for. Now
dry your eyes, and do not let all the
world see you i'll tears because your gal
liant soldier has loved and rode away
will go and fetch Mr.. Derring and
Bob Bellew, and make them take us to
the ice. Be quick, or we shall not get
any skating to-day; it's late already"
Rising to her feet, Ethel Carlingford
stood in front of the glass, and as she
smoOthed her pretty ruffled locks, re-
piled to her friends advice.
yes, Bell; will treat him with the